Zenkoku Suiheisha Rokujuunenshi

Title: Zenkoku Suiheisha Rokujuunenshi

Photographer(s): Various photographers

Writer(s):

Designer(s):

Publisher(s): Kaihatsu Publishing, Osaka, Japan

Year: 1982

Print run:

Language(s): Japanese

Pages: 256

Size: 22 x 29 cm

Binding: Softcover with dust jacket

Edition:

Print: Toppan printing. Japan

Nation(s) and year(s) of Protest: Japan,1922-1982

ISBN:

The caste-like system of Buraku discrimination in Japan has persisted for centuries. It remains a problem till today. Buraku Japanese during the early 20th century started to organize to fight for their rights. In 1922 they founded in Kyoto the National Levelers' Association (Zenkoku Suiheisha) whose main objective is to eradicate Buraku discrimination. At the founding assembly of the association on March 3, 1922, the Suiheisha Declaration was adopted. It is regarded as Japan's first declaration of human rights. It can likewise be considered as one of the earlier Asian documents on human rights issued by a social movement. The declaration has remained as an influential document in the Buraku anti-discrimination movement. In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Zenkoku Suiheisha, the declaration was translated into Chinese, Korean, English, French, German, Russian, Spanish and Ainu languages. There is also a version in Braille. Here below is the full text of the English version of the Declaration.

From National Committee for Buraku Liberation.